Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, has issued a strong call for the UK government to return the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, criticising British authorities for failing to take responsibility for their rightful repatriation.
In a letter addressed to UK Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, Reece did not hold back in his demand for decisive action, stating: “As a Minister of the Crown, you should take responsibility for a decision as important as the location of the Parthenon Sculptures.”
He urged the British government to reconsider its position, calling on them to “do the right thing and return the treasures of humanity to their rightful home in Athens.”
Reece strongly rejected the UK government’s stance that the decision rests with the British Museum, calling it an evasion of responsibility: “Referring this decision to the British Museum and claiming that you are powerless to act is an abrogation of your responsibilities. It is a failure of leadership.”
While advocating for the return of the original sculptures, Reece suggested the British Museum could continue to honour Greek antiquity through replicas, noting that “while not the originals, these replicas will continue to be a significant drawcard for people around the world.”
Reece’s letter comes after Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed at the Antipodes Festival on Saturday, February 22 that she had also written to the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.
These letters add further pressure to the long-running debate over the Parthenon Sculptures, reinforcing Melbourne’s strong ties to Greece and its commitment to cultural justice.
